Facts first. Then the debate.
What data centers really use, cost and change — with sources for every number.
An independent, non-partisan resource. Facts are sourced and dated. Opinion is clearly labeled. Debate is moderated and always shows both sides.
Each issue shows the strongest sourced fact on both sides.
Electricity & power bills
Supporters point to
~6% lower rates
Residential rates would have been about 6% higher without data centers built from 2019 to 2024, because large steady customers spread fixed grid costs.
Source: EPRI study, Jul 2026
Critics point to
+8% by 2030
Estimated average U.S. household bill increase from data centers and crypto mining — over 25% in central and northern Virginia.
Source: Pew & Congressional Research Service
Water
Supporters point to
~39× less
A closed-loop data center uses about 2.9 million gallons a year — roughly 1/39th of a typical 18-hole golf course.
Source: Microsoft Mount Pleasant; GCSAA
Critics point to
2.8M gal/day
Average water consumed per day in 2024 by Google’s Council Bluffs, Iowa data center — and not every new build is closed-loop.
Source: MOST Policy Initiative, Apr 2026
Jobs & taxes
Supporters point to
$1.2B · 39%
Loudoun County, Virginia collected $1.2 billion in property taxes from data centers in FY2026 — 39% of its budget.
Source: Loudoun County
Critics point to
$1B in one year
Virginia’s data center sales tax exemption cost about $1 billion in FY2024 alone. Most industry jobs are temporary construction work.
Source: Virginia JLARC, Nov 2025
Noise
Supporters point to
40–59 dB
Virginia’s legislative auditors found data center noise typically ranges between library-quiet and normal conversation.
Source: Virginia JLARC, 2024
Critics point to
Constant hum
Residents near sites in Virginia and Arizona report a 24/7 low-frequency drone that standard decibel meters struggle to measure.
Source: Environmental & Energy Study Institute, Mar 2026
Water use per year, typical
Millions of gallons. Closed-loop data center vs. common land uses.
100-acre irrigated cornfield
Caveat: closed-loop cooling trades some water for slightly higher energy use, and not every new build uses it. Sources: Microsoft Mount Pleasant (Daily Reporter), GCSAA, California Avocado Commission, Texas Tech.
How loud is it?
Decibels by distance. +10 dB sounds about twice as loud.
Data center at 1 mile is usually below ambient background noise.
Refreshed automatically each morning.
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Data center tracker
Every known U.S. project — announced, building, operating or stopped. Last checked [date].
Full searchable table →
[#]Operating
[#]Under construction
[#]Proposed
[#]Work stopped
[#]Closed
Power (megawatts) is the main comparison metric. Blank means not publicly disclosed. Each row links to its sources.
Moderated debate · This month
[Debate question, e.g. Should counties offer tax incentives to attract data centers?]
The case for[Strongest approved argument in favor, with contributor name and sources.]
The case against[Strongest approved argument against, with contributor name and sources.]
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Every submission is reviewed before it’s posted. Both sides get equal space.